PgCert Education (Autism)

Overview

Our course centres heavily on the lived experience of autistic people. Based on the principle 'nothing about us without us', we believe that genuine insider perspectives should inform anyone wishing to know more about autism. You'll apply theory to practice – and in so doing you'll have the opportunity to reflect on inclusive practices and their efficacy in assisting diverse learners with autism.

This course is ideal for practitioners in education, health, social care, or the voluntary sector who are interested in working with autistic learners of any age and across the spectrum (in keeping with the 0-25 framework in the Children and Families Act 2014). Autistic people are encouraged to apply and should feel confident that staff are committed to offering appropriate support as required.

The Autism and Critical Disability Studies Research Group operates out of the same division as the course.

Employability

This course is carefully designed to ensure a synthesis of practical understanding and critical analysis of theory and policy in this subject area. Most participants will already be employed in contexts providing education and other opportunities for children and adults identified with SEND. However, it is not necessary to be employed in an education setting to derive benefit from this course. The Autism Act 2009 and the Adult Autism Strategy 2009 require public bodies to understand autism, so if you are, for example, a social worker, a youth worker or a police officer, this course can be of great benefit.

You'll become better equipped to work with children, young people and their families, underpinned by your theoretical understanding of concepts and principles associated with SEND and autism spectrum conditions (ASC). This will open-up the possibility for career development in the field.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are employed across the course, including essays, research proposals, projects and presentations.

We know that learners' have different styles of learning – having a range of assessment methods ensures each student has the opportunity to demonstrate their learning.